Philadelphia Flyers: Goaltending woes could be costly

The Philadelphia Flyers’ subpar goaltending has already lost them games. It could prove even more costly by costing them a postseason spot. 

Mediocre goaltending and the Philadelphia Flyers go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s hard to think of one without the other. Other than Bernie Parent and Ron Hextall, the Flyers have never really had a consistent goaltender. Thus far, the 2018-19 season hasn’t been any different. In fact, it’s been especially mediocre, to the point where it has become terrible.

Through nine games, the Flyers have a 4-5-0 record. Brian Elliott and Calvin Pickard have combined for a .864 save percentage, which is the second-worst mark in the NHL. Only the Florida Panthers have gotten worse goaltending. In six of their nine games, the Flyers have allowed at least four goals.

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Despite scoring 31 goals through nine games, the Flyers have been held to two goals or less four times. Their offense has struggled at times, and that’s when goalies need to step up their game. However, in those four games when the Flyers have scored two goals or fewer, they’ve allowed one, four, five, and eight goals. That’s unacceptable in today’s NHL.

The Flyers knew their goaltending was going to be an issue. Or at least they should have known it would be one. After all, the Flyers had the 10th-worst team goaltending in the NHL in 2017-18. Hextall, now the team’s general manager, has made a lot of good moves. However, it’s baffling that a former goalie would neglect to address such mediocre play in net.

Potential Solutions

One solution is to call up Carter Hart from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. However, their top goaltending prospect is struggling in the AHL. He’s allowed 15 goals in four games and has a .865 save percentage. While Flyers fans shouldn’t be alarmed because this is the first time he’s getting to play against grown adults and struggles should be expected, it’s obvious Hart isn’t the short-term solution.

They could also give Michal Neuvirth a shot. He has been injured but has recently begun a conditioning stint. This would be the most ideal solution because it wouldn’t involve them having to give anything up to get better goaltending. However, Neuvirth’s injury history is a bit concerning.

There are also some free agents the Flyers could sign. Kari Lehtonen and Steve Mason are the two best free agent goalies available. It’s worth noting the Flyers are certainly familiar with the latter, which, given his struggles in Philly, might not be a good thing.

The Flyers have a very talented team. However, they have a clear flaw that could keep them from reaching their potential – their goaltending. It has to be better or else the Flyers risk missing the postseason.